Farm Internship in Virginia for 2015 Season

Internship Starts: March 1, 2015
Internship Ends: November 2015
Number of Interns: 1 (we will consider a couple)
App Deadline: End of February
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months
Shenandoah Seasonal is a diverse, four season farm utilizing sustainable and organic farming practices in Boyce, Virginia. We are going into our fourth growing season and this will be our first season with an intern. We grow 3 acres of produce, have a laying flock of 600, are in the early stages of keeping bees, and will begin more livestock ventures this year. We are market gardeners - attending two Saturday farmers markets a week, have a local CSA of 25 members, and a small wholesale outlet. Our farm is located in Clarke County, VA - an hour and a half west of Washington DC in the northern Shenandoah Valley and less than 10 miles from Winchester, VA.

Meals: Meals are on your own although there is access to a fully stocked shared kitchen and access to all the produce and eggs, etc we grow and raise.

Skills Desired: Anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and ready to work long hours outside is encouraged to apply. We look for people with good skills at working and living with others, the ability to learn with an open mind, and a willingness to work hard. A positive attitude and a good sense of humor are also desirable.

Educational Opportunities: Along with learning about the day to day aspects of the farm, we will encourage and provide opportunities for interns to gain exposure to other farms in our area through programs and workshops.

Stipend: A modest stipend of $500 will be provided at the end of each month. There are opportunities for bonuses.

Housing: Housing is provided – your own furnished room in a home shared with farm owners. We live in a large farmhouse built in 1785 with most modern amenities.

Preferred method Of Contact: phone, email (see below)

Internship Details: Intern will aid in all aspects of crop production on 3 acres, including greenhouse seeding, planting, field prep, crop care, weeding, harvesting, packing and cleaning, setting up irrigation and deer fencing, deliveries and marketing, small construction projects, recordkeeping and more. The scale of the farm allows for exposure to most aspects of production and the opportunity to learn a diversity of skills and techniques. We focus on high-value, intensive production with an emphasis on season extension. Apprentices will also work closely with our pasture-raised chickens – chores including feeding, moving to new pasture, collecting eggs, and washing/packaging eggs. We may consider a couple. Please submit inquiry via email or phone ASAP.

About

Beginning Farmers offers information on how to start a farm, planning a new farm, funding resources and finding land to start your farm on. We cover all areas of farming from raising chickens and goats to mushroom production, and urban farms to business farming. Internships and employment opportunities posted regularly.